1. PhD Seminar What is a PhD ? Jeff Offutt http://www.cs.gmu.edu/~offuttt/

2. © Jeff Offutt2 What’s a PhD ?? 1.A terminal degree 2.A license to teach 3.A license to do research 4.Validation of intellectual ability 5.Completion of a research apprenticeship A PhD degree means different things to different people

3. © Jeff Offutt3 What Do You Learn in a PhD Program ? How to think A lot of technical knowledge about some field How to do research –Formulate and solve problems –Write and present results How to critique other’s work How to handle stress How to teach yourself

4. © Jeff Offutt4 Okay … Sorry … Why Get a PhD ? Higher salary Sorry … To teach Okay … To do research Won’t work … Not worth it … Terrible reason … Because you love to learn ? For Mom Okay … To prove yourself Won’t work … To be a manager Not worth it … To avoid the real world Not worth it … Terrible reason …

5. © Jeff Offutt5 What Does it Take ? Intelligence Ability to communicate Perseverance (stubbornness?) Creativity Hard work Time management Ability to handle stress Luck This is the most competitive thing most of you will ever do !

6. © Jeff Offutt6 Is it Worth it? I’ve known a lot of people who started and didn’t finish –A few wish they hadn’t started I don’t know anybody who finished a PhD who wishes she hadn’t An education is one thing that can never be taken away I have the greatest job in the world